Journalism students typically work 10 hours a week, spread over two or three days, for three hours of academic credit.
The Miami Journalism Program recommends students first work for student-led media on campus – for The Miami Student, MQ, WMSR, UP, Greenhawks, Her Campus, Miami Television Network or another media organization. Some of these organizations offer pay but none can be completed for class credit. Equipped with on-campus experience and class work, most students are then ready to try their hand at an internship.
The Journalism Program typically awards three credit hours for internships, as JRN340, “Independent Study,” but can consider proposals for fewer or more, commensurate with their work. Students must complete the internship successfully and submit required evaluation materials before receiving credit hours.
Here’s how to secure a for-credit media or media-related internship:
- Select a desired off-campus employer from the list that follows.
- Identify another off-campus employer not currently on the list – and contact the organization to inquire about whether you might work there as an intern.
- Identify an on-campus employer of your choosing. Consider departments, programs and other organizations which have newsletters, Web sites, marketing strategies or other writing/editing/audio/video/photography tasks where you might be of service and gain experience.
- Make time in your schedule to work a minimum of 10 hours a week for 15 consecutive weeks over a single semester.
- Specify your desired employer(s) on the Application Form that follows.
- Submit the application to the Coordinator of Internships and receive contact information for desired employer(s).
- Contact the employer. Provide any requested information, including a resume, cover letter, clips/tapes or other evidence of skill set.
Once you have secured a position:
- Complete an “Internship Agreement” form and “Independent Study” form.*
- Meet with your employer to determine your work schedule and job responsibilities.
- Perform outstanding work for your employer during the internship.
Near the end of the internship:
- Complete self-evaluation materials.*
- Ask your employer to complete an Employer Evaluation.*
- Contact the Internship Coordinator Joe Sampson to request these forms after securing a position. He will regularly posts info about internships, on-campus interview schedules and deadlines to the Journalism Program listserv. Professor Howard Kleiman coordinates many broadcast internships, also offered in-semester or during summers.
